About a week ago, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Kenn Young, provided his annual State of Education speech. While there were the usual celebratory comments about the growth and progress of many schools and districts in the county – there was certainly a very sober attitude regarding the financial challenges.
Mr. Young began the financial section with a short video of the Depression – which was depressing as many are facing circumstances that are not that different. Some of the statistics were interesting and provided some perspective in our time. After the “crash” in 1929, unemployment was 25% and there was a national migration to moderate the impacts of the economic effects. It was interesting that in the 1933-34 school year, “most schools ended their school year in January” with some of the schools in the nation never even opening at all – as there were no funds. In our time (2009-10) Hawaii has determined that it will decrease their school year by 17 days by taking every Friday off from January through June.
While in a global economy and increasing clarity that we need to add to the school year, a question arises: “How much school and how many school days can California afford to fund?” Of probably greater import, is the recognition that we MUST invest in our kids and future if we are to be health as a state and nation.
All of this is NOT very good news and not very encouraging, but it does offer perspective. It is up to us to work together to figure out a way to make this work – even though times are difficult. The only solution I see is in each other – how will we do this together?
I'm confused when you guys are yelling "No cuts, Save our teachers" What exactly do you want parents to do? Give more money? Get out there and yell at other adults to inform them? What is it you want the parents to rally behind on March 15th?
ReplyDeleteI believe the only true invest is in the investment of our kids. They are the future leaders and decision makers that will guide our nation in the years to come. Our state, as well as our nation, has been very short sighted in not doing so. Whether you personally have children or not, all of us will be affected by our lack of commitment to education. I look forward to a day where we all come together to support it.
ReplyDeleteAnd to AmericanAngel- as a teacher, I would like you to spread the word to our State Legislature and anyone that votes that taking billions of dollars away from education affects us all.
AmericanAngel - The state can and needs to make different decisions about which items to fund. For example, the prisons are funded at ten times the amount of the students. This is way out of whack. California is almost at the bottom of the nation in funding education while it is at the top for funding prisoners. This needs to be changed. The way to make change is for the community (yes, parents) to let Sacramento know that the tax dollars need to be spent more sanely allowing for the education of our students. The way to do this is to be vocal. Educators have been very vocal during the last few years of tremendous cuts, but the CA legislature needs to hear from all of the citizens of CA. Dr. Miller's Blog from 3/2/10 entitled "More Sad News," has a link you can click on to get the information you need to contact the legislature. I've been writing and calling daily.
ReplyDeleteDr. Miller's last two comments have been pleas for us to come together (RUSD & RCTA). I want to believe that this will happen during negotiations. He has empathized with RIFed teachers and I appreciate that but I'd like to see "action". By "action" I'm referring to RUSD opening talks about what RCTA can give in order to decrease class sizes. Washington D.C. has failed to reach bipartisan, I'd like to see our District and Union come together and simply discuss "What is best for Riverside STUDENTS"
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ebudget.ca.gov/pdf/BudgetSummary/SummaryCharts.pdf
ReplyDeleteThe above is a link for the proposed 2010-11 budget from how I read it K-12 education is going to get 31.0% and higher education is going to get 10.6% that is a total of 41.6% of the budget. Corrections and Rehabilitation is going to get 6.8%. Now above the chart that I got that information off of there is a breakdown of the budget last year,the revised amounts and 2010-11 budget info they are as follows:
K-12 education
2009-10 budget 35042
2009-10 revised 34554
2010-11 budget 36004
+4.2%
Higher Education
2009-10 budget 10547
2009-10 revised 10566
2010-11 budget 11836
+12%
Corrections and Rehabilitation
2009-10 budget 8210
2009-10 revised 8161
2010-11 budget 7983
-2.2%
Over 40% of California's budget is already going to education. How much more of it do you think should be allocated for education?
California should allot more than $5,500 per student per year. CA funding is 47th in the Nation. We need to do better than this. We spend $50,000 a year on a prisoner. There is something very wrong with this picture. We need to fund the future.
ReplyDeleteCalifornia also has the highest number of students. Texas spends about $7358 per student does that sound like enough? That would add about what $10+ billion to the budget. Where do you expect this extra money to come from?
ReplyDeleteThis argument about prisoners is ridiculous the prisoners unfortunately have to be housed 24 hrs a day, be fed 3 times a day, and be given medical care. You have my children for 7 hrs. and I pay for their lunches, school supplies, plus I participate in fundraisers.
We are becoming a society that is dependent on government spending (tax money they collect from society) and that cannot be sustained. There is a tipping point where there are more people with their hands out than people working and keeping their hands busy. We have hit this point and there is simply not enough money.
The money is not making it to the students anyway. More of it would go to the students if we had local control but we gave that up for Sacramento and the feds to run it and for that we are paying.
People all over California and the United States are taking cuts in pay or losing jobs. We have had to adjust our spending, cut the cable bill, cut off the heat, cancel the gym membership and buy cheaper food etc.. The inmates in California are getting released earlier (wow that will teach them a lesson) and the ones still in prison/jail still watch cable on flat screen tv's, have weight rooms to work out, get 3 meals a day, clean clothes, free medical/dental care and have a warm bed to sleep in (all this because they broke the law) something is really twisted about this
ReplyDeleteIf I am to understand you, American Angel, you feel that education is now a handout. Perhaps we should stop funding education altogether and solve California's budget crises.
ReplyDeleteThat, of course is ludicrous. Education is not a handout. We all benefit from a well educated work force. When we fail to properly fund education our children will suffer, fewer students will be able to attend college, which in turn would lead to lower wage, less taxes, and further economic hardship for California. Education is too important for us to skimp on. We need to do whatever it takes to fund education.
Anonymous #1 Talk to the ACLU and the activist judges about the prisoners and what they get. As far as I'm concerned they could take Sheriff Arpaio's idea and house them in tents and feed them bologna.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous #2 Education is considered a handout and this is wrong it is a requirement to give K-12 education.
I am asking questions and not getting answers. Currently education is receiving 41.6% of the budget for California that's nearly half.
How much more should we give to education? What is the magic number? Where do you expect the extra money to come from?
The money is not going to the students. Where is it going?
I have also asked what do you want from us parents?
American Angel... If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living? You sound well-educated so I am assuming that you received a quality education, probably in a public school. You speak quite often about putting a price tag on student learning, but how much is your education worth to you? Much like the credit card commercials, a free education has no price tag, it is PRICELESS!
ReplyDeleteAs a parent, how much would you pay to ensure that your children are educated by the most talented, most engaging, and highest qualified teachers possible? Since you seem to be a supportive parent, I would again make the assumption that the dollar amount would be quite high. And in the grand scheme of things, what you have actually paid in state taxes, school supplies, and school fundraisers is minimal in comparison to what you would pay for an equitable education in a private institution.
Perhaps we need to stop thinking in terms of dollar amounts and think about this in terms of priorities...Is a high-quality public education a priority? If the answer is yes, then there is only one thing to do - Get lawmakers to place an emphasis on education. Call your local representative, drop them an e-mail, stop by their local offices and ask why they are not demonstrating more concern over the lack-luster state of California's public education system. As our elected officials, we are owed answers and I urge you to seek them out.
The teachers, classified staff, and other school personnel on this blog are not speaking out in hopes that we will have any sort of financial gain from this disastrous situation. These individuals have dedicated their lives to making a difference for children. Many of them have Masters degrees and Doctorates that, outside of education, would earn them double the salaries they earn in schools, but yet they are committed to seeing students achieve.
I understand that times are financially horrible and we are all terrified by the idea of being taxed any more to support schools right now. Truth of the matter is, we will support these students one way or another. We can provide them with a public education so that they will, hopefully, be encouraged to live successful, adult lives, or we will support them by financing state and federal aid programs or paying for their incarceration. Let's be proactive and build a society of self-supported, contributing members who believe that education is a foundational necessity, and not a luxury for those who can afford it.
American Angel~ From your comments on Dr. Miller's blog, it seems apparent that you or your children who attend RUSD schools have not been touched by the reality of the impending destruction of the educational system and support that creates an effective educational learning environment within our RUSD schools. Just wait....I believe your thoughts will change when the classrooms are overcrowded, the "extra" programs now available for our students are eliminated,no after school tutoring, or Prime Time, the grounds are filthy, the rooms are dirty, the toilets leak, no heat/no AC, no freshman sports, no bussing (wait a minute, there is no bussing for 7-12, I forgot). No one answers the phones in the office, when you just absolutely, positively must get a message to your child. No counselors to help with emotionally upset children, or assist with their class schedules, write college letters. No librarians in the library, oooops no research tools taught, or available, no computers available for that research paper that is required to be typed. Ah yes, I do believe that your thoughts will change, rather quickly. You have asked over and over again what parents can do? Call, write your legislators, NOW, TODAY, but wait, that is not all. Gather your friends, your neighbors, your children,your parents, your cousins, join in the rally for education, be at the Board of Education early on Monday, March 15, 2010. Let your voice be united.
ReplyDeleteI am a parent educated in the RUSD and I have two kids in the system now. I am a stay-at-home mom by choice. If I make these calls and tell the legislators to give more money to the schools I would be asking them to raise my taxes, fees, or fines. You have money it is not being used properly. I have managed my money in a way that has enabled me to stay at home and watch over my kids and be involved. I am a firm believer that, and have told my kids, it doesn't matter where you get educated if you want an education you can get it.
ReplyDeleteI am not dependent on the school for anything but an education for my children. I provide them what they need for that. I am sorry that not enough parents do that but I am not paying for others to raise their kids anymore.
I have been thinking and thinking of what to say to AmericanAngel regarding what action she could take. Now I know. If you believe the money is being used incorrectly, then protest that on March 15. Ask those in charge where your tax dollars are going. The teachers and classified staff and many management members as well are not the people who decide where the money goes. Those are the majority of the people who are listening to you right now. Please know that we are not in favor of waste either. And while it sounds like you are indeed a terrific parent, many of us are the ones who care for, comfort, mentor and sometimes even feed the children who don't have the best situation at home. That is why we may seem defensive when comments directed at us imply that we are not doing a good job, or that we shouldn't retain our jobs, or that we get paid too much money for our jobs. I can't begin to tell you how much I care about the kids I work with. I applaud the wonderful parents we have in RUSD that support their kids and their schools. So please continue to make your voice heard, but understand that we are working hard to continue your child's education, and still using what break we have to try and stay informed and to be informative.
ReplyDeleteJust to be clear, I will continue to be involved and ask questions.
ReplyDeleteSo there is no question, I have never indicated that you don't do a good job, that any of you shouldn't retain your jobs, or that you get paid too much. Don't twist what I say please.
Let's be honest, I am not raising a village I am raising MY kids. Schools should teach not be the social angels for the underprivileged. We already pay social services for that.
American Angel, Effective educators care about the 'whole child'. Maybe during the 1950's teachers could just teach, but society is different today. Children come to school with a variety of issues; emotional, social, not to mention learning disabilities. You may make the comments that you make because you are only raising YOUR kids, but in my classroom; all of the students are MY kids, so I am teaching a village, which often means being the 'social angel' in an effort to provide the very best, free public education for my students.
ReplyDeleteAmerican Angel,
ReplyDeleteLast I checked, as a teacher, we don't just "have kids for 7 hours"....we take our kids home with us. Teaching is not just 7 hours with kids that disappear when we step off campus.
To the two teachers above, Amen and thank you!!
ReplyDeleteIn my school, 2700 students strong, these are my children, each and every one of them. I take them home with me, good or bad, they are with me each and every minute of the day. I don't leave them at the end of my work day. How many times I have been up at night, thinking of an option for one of the students. How many times have I gone to the local supermarket to purchase bags of groceries, because they do not have food in the house. How many times have I gone completely out of my way to ensure the student is cared for. These are MY students, ALL 2700 of them. I know they appreciate me, especially when they come back to visit after, 5, 10, 15 years to give me that big hug, with a twinkle in their eyes, and introduce their children. This is the thanks I receive, this is when I know I have made a difference in the young people of our district. American Angel, we raise your children and the children of this community. You are not alone in the success of your child, there are hundreds of teachers and classified workers who are helping to mold each and every student. Our concern is two fold, your children will suffer due to the budget cuts in our District, and we as employees will suffer, as will our families as we face true uncertanity with the cuts in our District. We need parents to stand up and speak to the Board. You have said in your posts that the District is manageing their money incorrectly, tell them, Monday night at the Board meeting, have your friends tell them, to re-evaluate where they are spending the money received from the state, it is not their money, it is OUR money. Parents have a tremendous amount of input.
ReplyDeleteAmerican Angel, if we just teach kids during the school day and not worry about or try to help kids who aren't getting the kind of support you give your kids at home then we as a society will be paying a lot more for them in the future. I am a true believer that people have to help themselves, except when it comes to many of our children who do not have the roll models in their lives to know a different way of life with an education. Too many parents are teaching kids to work a system of government so they can get "free" money. Helping, caring and teaching kids is a way to show them they can succeed in life. I was also a stay at home mom, went through RUSD, have 2 kids who have gone through RUSD and even though I had great parents who taught me education was important and I taught my kids the same thing, the teachers who stand out to me and I remember with fondness are the ones who helped the less fortunate kids.
ReplyDeleteI too am tired of paying for other people to get certain benefits, There is so much money wasted in every aspect of goverment and I would like to see reform in All areas except having students in large classrooms where a shy, quiet kid will be lost in the mix and giving a student who has not eaten all weekend a free breakfast/lunch at school or an after school program which will help the student with homework and keep them from going home to an empty house. These kids are our future and we can't afford to let them down.
AmericanAngel,
ReplyDeleteI to am a stay at home mom who grew up through RUSD and I have 1 child who is going through the district now. I volunteer tons to the school because it DOES take a village to raise children. This village affects them in so many ways but mostly it educates them to become great adults who will intern take care of you.
If we sit back and continue to just bad mouth the system without giving solutions than we really have just wasted everyone's time. Therefore I ask you what is the solution to the budget crisis for our schools?
If you like the way Sheriff Arpaio handles his prisoners than call your legislation and rally for the change. This may help the Gov't to give more money to education without raising our taxes, fees and so on. I would rather there not be an exact dollar amount but enough to stop the over crowding, the lake of computers, the dropping of after school programs, and so much more our children are and will continue to be missing. However I am not so oblivious that I think we as parents should not be the watch dogs. Join your school site council, go to board meetings, review the state budgets and start talking to the powers to be when overspending starts to happen but I promise that will not be what you will see right now.